made all, not fluent 3rd, ridden when hit 2 out, stayed on flat
prominent, chased winner 3rd until 2 out, stayed on one pace
in rear, not fluent, lost touch before 5th, tailed off
tracked winner to 2nd, remained prominent, regained 2nd 2 out, not fluent last, one pace flat
raced keenly, in touch, 4th when went lame and pulled up after 6th
jumped very poorly, soon well tailed off, eventually completed
There is only 1lb between SEA STORM and Reindeer Dippin judged by official BHA ratings but the former is a confirmed performer on this ground and James Moffatt's gelding is taken to defy the penalty for his win at Wetherby in November with Foresight looking the best of the rest. Don McCain's gelding disappointed at Towcester last time but had earlier run well at Warwick and, having only had six career starts so far, he remains open to improvement. Interestingly Jason Maguire rides Foresight as opposed to stable companion Reindeer Dippin. Palmerin was capable on the flat when with Richard Hannon and has shown promise in both starts over hurdles for Oliver Sherwood so he has to be considered. Mays Louise was moderate on the level and makes no appeal first time up over hurdles, while Allanard has been well held in both starts so far. Sea Storm has ground conditions to suit and he gets the vote.
Reindeer Dippin 10-11fav (11-1) In touch, left in lead 1st, made rest, soon clear, stayed on well, unchallenged, won at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Catch Bob (11-1) by 13l, 9 ran.
Sea Storm (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, left and 3rd place 2 out, soon ridden, went 2nd after last, one pace, 2nd of 16, 16l behind Touch of Irish (11-0) at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Allanard (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Towards rear, ridden 2 out, kept on from after last, no impression, 6th of 16, 34l behind Touch of Irish (11-0) at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Foresight 11-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 46l behind Pterodactyl (11-0) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Palmerin 8-1 (10-5) Prominent, raced keenly, weakened 2 out, 4th of 11, 18l behind Know The Law (10-9) at Huntingdon 2m mdn hdl (4) gf.
Mays Louise 33-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, always behind, 11th of 12, well behind Amber Moon (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Mar (flat).
